Thanks to Philip Rivers force-feeding him passes, Gates finally got his mitts on the NFL record-setting 112th TD catch for a tight end but he dropped it. Hopefully the pressure will be lessened this season because he only needs one TD to own the record. But now the real question is will the Bolts drop Gates? He's lost a step at 36, finished with an uncharacteristic six drops on the season and the team could decide that his $5 million cap number might be too steep. Then again, his seven TD catches were only one off the team high. Rookie Hunter Henry got that with eight, proving to be a solid second-round pick. Indeed, for much of the season Gates was no longer the best tight end on the field for the Chargers. It's clear the torch has been passed to Henry. What isn't clear is what to do with Gates? Remember, Gates and Henry missed three games combined due to injury, which affected the Chargers' versatility in using different personnel groupings. With Gates at the end of his career, expect him to be more of a role player -- but expect that role to revolve around the red-zone offense where his chemistry with Philip Rivers will be a plus.

Antonio Gates 2016 Outlook

Gates and the Chargers agreed to terms on a new contract early this offseason. The 35-year-old Gates has spent his entire 13-year career with the Chargers, and now he'll likely remain in San Diego until he retires. Although he's not quite the player he once was, he's still an important part of the Chargers' offense. Last year Gates caught 56 passes for 630 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games. Fellow TE Ladarius Green moved on to the Steelers via free agency diminishing any concerns that the developing youngster might cut into Gates' workload. Injuries and a suspension limited Gates last season, but he remained the team's most productive tight end. He also has 104 career touchdowns, just one of his many franchise receiving records. His lasting chemistry with Philip Rivers makes him an interesting Hall of Fame candidate and a viable and increasingly affordable fantasy tight end with reasonable upside. Draft him as your TE2 matching him with a younger (and riskier) talent and head into the season with confidence.